You couldn't pay me to use regular mascaras; “Tubing” mascaras are the only mascaras for me. They apply like regular mascaras but dries to form a polymer tube around each lash. Tear-, sweat- and water-resistant, it doesn’t smear or run because it’s doesn’t melt back into liquid form once it dries. And the greatest thing about it: it removes neatly in one piece when you rinse with warm water and slight friction. I was ecstatic when I discovered this a few years back. Imagine: no more raccoon-eyes when you sweat, cry or get unexpectedly dunked in the pool at the next bbq. Removal is great because you won’t get residue between your lashes or on your skin.
Because the formula is so unique, selection remains somewhat limited. But if you ask me, I’ll take that over smeared bacteria-breeding mascara ink running down my face and in my eye socket! Yes, the truth can be brutal. I recall those days when I wore regular mascaras, they stung so badly when they got in my eye. I shudder at the thought of going back to regular mascaras. If you have sensitive eyes, you should ONLY be using tubing mascaras. If you don’t have sensitive eyes, I recommend you still try it for the aesthetics. It’s much more attractive when the mascara stays on your lashes as opposed to everywhere around your lashes.
Knowing exactly how lacking the selection is for tubing mascaras, I was beyond excited to discover Mirenesse, an Australian cosmetic line that carries 15 (yes, 15!) different tubing mascaras! Thanks to the generous people at Mirenesse, I’ll be testing 6 of their bestselling mascaras and their 4D Lash Evolution Primer. Don’t even get me start about the primer! Most lash primers on the market these days are filled with cheap paraffin wax. Not only is the 4D Lash Evolution Primer paraffin-free, it is made of high-technology beneficial ingredients we don’t often see here in the states. I’m excited to try all of them.
Let me direct your attention to the first Mirenesse mascara I’m test drivng- Vibralash 24HR Mascara. This is the latest addition to their tubing mascara collection. Not only is it a tubing mascara, it also sports a 3-speed vibrating wand. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any cooler, I discover that it’s equipped with my favorite type of mascara brush, the silicone rubber brush (Gah! Totally forgot to take a picture of that!). If you swear by vibrating mascaras, you have to try this. I don’t think I’ve seen one that allows speed adjustment until I met this baby.
Comparing it to other tubing mascaras I’ve tried (over 12 brands, mostly Japanese), the formulation is excellent.
The volume is 8/10.
Lengthening ability is 9/10.
Curling ability is 9/10 (I don’t curl my lashes at all and this gives a nice lift).
Separating ability is 10/10 (no glued-together lashes whatsoever and gives a nice fan-shape to lashes).
The most impressive thing: the liquid is completely smooth so it does all of the above without clumps when you build it up one brush stroke after another. It will clump slightly if you brush on more during the “between stage” of drying (almost dry but not quite there yet). However, that problem is easily solved by either applying your layers one after another or you wait for the mascara to dry in between each application. Vibralash 24HR Mascara has an ideal tubing mascara texture, unlike Clinique Lash Power (so soft that it melts/smudges like regular mascaras on hot days) and Kiss Me Mascara (too plastic-like and rigid that lashes lose their natural shape and look like spider legs). This mascara isn’t cheap (most tubing mascaras aren’t). However, I’ve noticed that the Mirenesse website have sales on their mascaras sometimes.
.jpg)
20 comments:
I really want to try tubing mascaras since you mentioned the loreal version! what a great invention!
Yeah, isn't it great? They need to make more eyeliners with this technology. I use those too but the selection is even more scarce!
Farmgirl
I used the Loreal version for awhile and while I liked the no-budge aspect of it, I stopped using it because it looked SO un-natural. Maybe it's just that brand, but my eyelashes just looked like twigs, not soft at all. I've switched back to a waterproof that does smudge if I rub my eyes, but looks about a million times more natural.
Have you run into this? Am I doing something wrong?
Hi Kelly,
After trying over 10 brands, I've totally run into this! Like regular mascaras, there's variations between the different tubing mascara formulations. Some are softer, some more rigid.
The rigid ones tend to look fake and are sometimes more difficult to rinse off. The softer ones look more flexible and natural (like regular mascaras) but they can be 'melty' like regular mascaras, especially on hot days. The Mirenesse version is a perfect medium between the two textures. That may be why the price is higher. It looks just like regular mascara, very full and soft but you get the added convenience of the removal method.
I'm hoping they'll come out with more drugstore tubing mascaras :D
Kocomo
I am a firm believer in tubing mascara too!
Tubing mascara fans unite! :D
Farmgirl
First off - thanks for creating this blog. The products reviewed here look awesome, can't wait to try them! A few months ago I tried L'Oreal and Clinique's Tubing Mascaras, and they didn't last for more than 2 hours. Maybe it's my oily skin? But I applied the Clinique brand, then went to go see a movie. Half way through, I could feel little grainy particles landing on my cheeks. The tubes were rolling off and falling onto my face! I since ditched the tubes and went back to regular waterproof mascara. BUT, now hearing about this long lasting Australian brand with different ingredients - I will give the tubes another try! **Fingers crossed that these will work and stay put, because I love the initial look after the tubing mascara is applied! Makes lashes look so much more lush and full than traditional mascara.
Hi mattify!
Thank you for sharing your experience with other tubing mascaras! I had similar experience with clinique Lash Power. It is almost not a true tubing mascara because it tends to "melt" back into a tradition mascara if it's too hot or humid outside.
The loreal version can flake/break off but I must say it's the better of the 2 tubing mascaras available in drugstore (don't ever try the Prestige version! *shudders*).
The Mirenesse Vibralash, I must say, has the best texture of all the tubing mascaras I've tried. I can't wait to try their other versions. So far I see much similarities between the ingredients amongst all of their tubing mascaras. Thus, if you like to try their tubing mascaras and don't need the vibrating feature, I do believe you'll get a similar effect with the others! Let me know if you need any info :D
Farmgirl
I really like tubing mascaras but I haven't branched out into trying many others yet :)
Thanks so much for sharing this!
I can't believe they make so many kinds of tubing mascaras!
Hi Kay,
Isn't their selection awesome? I can't get over it! Every time I visit their site, I see something I want. I just noticed a anti-aging concealer that acts as a brightener and an eye base. And it's on sale for almost 50% OFF XD
I just stumbled upon your blog and the tips you have are amazing! Keep it up girl. I'm definitely following x
Thank you, Devon! Your encouragement means so much to me :D
Farmgirl
wow, i never knew there were so many types of tubing mascara. having tried kissme mascara (japanese version, not at sephora) in the past, i didn't like how they curled. the curls didn't stay as well as the other super waterproof japanese mascaras i tried. but mirenesse looks like something in between.
do you have any idea if they have plans to sell their product in retail stores in the US? i'd prefer to test out their product or see it in person before buying it.
thanks again for the useful, super detailed post!
Hi Sue,
I would love it if they open retail stores here! I understand that the brand does extremely well in Australia (they're also on the Australian version of qvc/hsn) so I'm hoping it's only a matter of time :D
Farmgirl
This is awesome blog. Doing very excellent work
Thank you for making this blog.
natural lipsticks
I’m speechless. This is a superb blog and very attractive too. Great work loves so much mascara. I have used regularly. I’m speechless. This is a superb blog and very attractive too. Great work loves so much mascara. I have used regularly. You are always really kind towards readers like me and help me in my lifestyle. Thank you so much and thanks for sharing with us…
spider vein removal
I am completely smitten with them. I found them online, but I’m just hesitant to buy from this site. The tubes were rolling off and falling onto my face! I since ditched the tubes and went back to regular waterproof mascara. BUT, now hearing about this long lasting Australian brand with different ingredients - I will give the tubes another try!I will regularly bookmark your website. Thanks for sharing with us.
laser hair removal
Your blog is great I'm not sure if you're still posting though- which mascara was the best?
My favourite post is looking inot your make-up bag! Thanks
I love the Mirenesse brushes, and the formula is fantastic.... until you try it in a extremely hot and humid climate ie. equatorial. I've recently moved to Singapore, which is probably the most make-up unfriendly environment in the solar system. Even on a 'virgin' eyelid, Mirenesse melts within an hour. The climate has caused me to completely change my make-up and skincare routines - I'm having so much fun trying new products, your site offers the best suggestions, btw. Anyway, the only way around the melting eyelashes for me is using Blinc mascara (which has a dreadful brush, resulting in it looking as though I only have 6 lashes), with a Mirenesse brush, and I'm a very happy unit.
Hi MiMi,
Thanks so much for your suggestion! I love blinc as well :D
Farmgirl
Post a Comment